Your jam-packed local resource guide

Hamilton County RecyclesThe Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services offers news and information on local recycling programs. If you have waste materials and you’re not sure where to take them, this should be your first stop. 513-946-7734, www.hcdoes.org/sw/swhome.htm

Technology RecyclingArea residents can drop off computers and electronics as part of Players for the Planet on Thursday, April 22 and April 24. The location for the April 22 event is the Western Hills Kroger on Glenway Avenue, and the April 24 event will be held at the Hyde Park Kroger on Paxton Avenue. A contribution of $5 per car is suggested. Cincinnati Reds player Chris Dickerson and other players will be on hand to collect items, sign autographs and provide information about green living.

Green Media and Community

Cincinnati LocavoreThe Locavore blog helps you eat locally grown food year-round. Frequently updated, you’ll find posts on community supported agriculture, foraged foods, family farms and a comprehensive list of links to local food outlets. They operate a Yahoo group for dialogue with interested folks, too. cincinnatilocavore.blogspot.com.

Going Green Radio PodcastGreen Energy Ohio (listed under green buildings and energy) offers the lively Going Green podcast every two weeks. It’s a show about Ohioans who are working toward sustainable, low-impact lives. It’s funded in part by the Ohio EPA. Listen to the entire shows at www.greenenergyohio.org/goinggreen/page.cfm or hear them in short segments at 9:50 a.m. Monday-Friday on WHSS (89.FM).

Green Drinks CincinnatiIf you’re interested in discussing environmental justice over a beer, this green-collar YP powwow is the place for you. Meets monthly. greendrinkscincy.blogspot.com.

Building ValueRemodelers donate used or leftover building materials to Building Value, which resells these materials to the public. Prices are often a third the cost of new. Plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, architectural materials and much more. Now in a new location. 4040 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-475-6783.

Green Energy OhioGEO should be your first stop for information and assistance in getting off of the grid. Meetings, financial assistance and more on alternative energy, including solar, hydroelectric, biomass and wind. 513-293-3241, www.GreenEnergyOhio.org.

U.S. Green Building Council Cincinnati ChapterThe GBC promotes building with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and connects builders and developers interested in sustainable practices. 513-403-0301, chapters.usgbc.org/Cincinnati.

Sustainable FoodNOTE: The retail outlets listed here are just a handful of the local farms and vendors that offer products such as organic vegetables and humanely raised meat.

Alpine Valley Water CompanySells and delivers water in returnable 3- and 5-gallon bottles. 513-595-5419,www.alpineh2o.com.

Martin Hill Farms Markets produce 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Northside Farmers Market and 3-7 p.m. Thursdays at the Mt. Washington Market. All food is produced without using chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Also operates a community supported agriculture (CSA) program. www.growmaster.com.

Relish Restaurant Group Purveyors of fine, fresh, local food at some of the city’s favorite restaurants including Chalk, JeanRo Bistro, Greenup Café, Lavomatic and Local 127. www.relishrestaurantgroup.com.

Cincinnati ParksCincinnati parks included more than 5,000 acres and 100 scenic parks around the city. 513-352-4080, www.cincinnati-oh.gov/parks.

Civic Garden CenterWorks to promote environmental stewardship and the greening of urban Cincinnati. The center itself is a landscaped oasis from the pressures of city life. It also supports nearly 50 urban gardens around the city. 2715 Reading Road, Avondale, 513-221-0981, www.civicgardencenter.org.

Hamilton County ParksHamilton County parks have a vibrant array of green spaces all over the city. Boating, cycling, hiking and more. A valid Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter the parks ($2 daily, $5 annual). 513-521-7275, www.greatparks.org/index.htm.

Sunrock Farm This educational farm introduces children and adults to the joys of agriculture. Gibson Lane, Wilder, 859-781-5502.

Bike/PACThe Cincinnati Bicycle/ Pedestrian Advisory Committee is dedicated to making our city a friendlier place to bike and walk. They focus on such topics as bike racks on buses, bike lanes and bike and hike trails. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. 513-352-5305.

Cincinnati Cycle ClubSince the 19th century, the CCC has promoted bicycle recreation, health and safety and helped riders develop friendships. It’s a great way to find out about local rides, races and tours or even find a used bike on the cheap. www.cincinnaticycleclub.org.

Metro BusCincinnati’s mass transit network offers routes within a mile of most people’s homes and bike racks on all their buses to extend your riding range. 513-621-4455, www.sorta.com.

The Miami TrailAlso known as the Loveland Trail, it’s a 70-mile segment of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, which stretches from the Ohio River in Cincinnati all the way to the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland. The Loveland segment is closed to motorized traffic and composed of flat, paved-over train tracks. www.lovelandbiketrail.com.

TANK BusThe Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky provides transit South of the river including to CVG airport. Bike racks on all busses. www.tankbus.org.

Team Cycling and FitnessBike sales and service. Focused on quick turnaround time for repairs and a large selection of bikes. 776 Colerain Ave., Mount Healthy, 513-522-1551, www.teamcyclingandfitness.com.

Benson Cleaning ServiceHouse and business cleaning using green products that are safe for kids and pets. 513-354-2338 or www.bensoncleaning.com.

Buy CincyPromotes shopping with local small businesses. While not specifically green, the blog helps consumers shorten the chain between themselves and the goods they buy, which allows them to hold vendors responsible for their environmental practices. www.buycincy.com.

Imago for the EarthThis environmental organization works to educate locals and reshape the urban community of Upper Price Hill. The Enright Eco-Village (www.enrightridgeecovillage.org) is part of Imago’ campus and offers affordable, environmentally friendly housing, a food co-op, community meals and more. Their 16-acre nature preserve is open daily. Free. 700 Enright Ave., Price Hill, 513-921-5124.

Environmental Community OrganizationECO’s mission is to hold industry accountable for community concerns about corporate pollution. 513-761-6140, www.envcomm.org.

Friends of the Great Miami Works to restore and enhance the Great Miami River watershed. www.fogm.org.

Hamilton County Soil and WaterManages the conservation of natural resources within Hamilton County. Holds public meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. and offers services such as soil fertility tests. 22 Triangle Park Dr., Sharonville, 513-772-7645, www.hcswcd.org.

Keep Cincinnati BeautifulDedicated to cleaning up Cincinnati and making the city a more livable place through public-private partnerships. www.keepcincinnatibeautiful.org.